PIA Press Release2007/10/01

PGMA receives credentials of 3 new envoys to RP

Manila (1 October) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo welcomed today the new ambassadors of Japan, China and Sri Lanka who presented their credentials to the Chief Executive in Malacaņang.

First to be welcomed by the President at Malacaņang's Rizal Hall at 10 a.m. was Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Makoto Katsura of Japan.

Katsura was accorded foyer honors by members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) who performed a snappy salute to welcome Japan's ambassador.

He was then ushered to the second floor for the signing of the Malacaņang Guest Book that contains the names and signatures of all foreign and local dignitaries who have come to visit the President's official home.

After the guest book signing, Katsura and his party, composed of his wife Yasuko and other Japanese embassy officials, were led to the Rizal Hall where he personally handed his credentials to President Arroyo.

"I look forward to your tour of duty," the President told Katsura, who succeeded Ambassador Ryuichiro Yamazaki who completed his diplomatic posting in Manila last Sept. 15.

After accepting the credentials, the President and Katsura then had a closed-door meeting at the nearby Music Room of the Palace.

Next to present his credentials was Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Song Tao of the People's Republic of China who arrived 30 minutes after Katsura at 10:30 a.m.

Ambassador Song was also accorded foyer honors before he signed the guest book and met with the President for the formal submission of his credentials.

The President and Ambassador Song also had a closed-door meeting at the Music Room.

Last to present his credentials at 11 a.m. was Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Alahakoon Mudiyanselage Aloysius Nissanka Ratnayake of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. (OPS/PIA) [top]